Methods, systems, and media for projecting light to indicate a device status

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and media for projecting light to indicate a device status are provided. In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter, systems for projecting light to indicate a device status are provided, the systems comprising: a hardware processor that: determines a light status; determines whether to turn a light source on; selects a light format corresponding to the light status; projects light of a light source according to the light format; and determines whether to turn the light source off.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/857,025, filed Jul. 22, 2013, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to methods, systems, and media forprojecting light to indicate a device status.

BACKGROUND

Typically, media content streaming devices use lights or small screenson the front of the device to report status information to users. Thesmaller these devices are, the more likely they can be hidden behind atelevision. Unfortunately, users have to walk to the television to lookbehind the television in order to access the status of the device.However, looking behind a television to obtain status information isinconvenient and often considered to be an unacceptable option to users.

Accordingly, new mechanisms for projecting light to indicate a devicestatus are desirable.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems, and media for projecting light to indicate a devicestatus are provided. In some implementations, systems for projectinglight to indicate a device status are provided, the systems comprising:a hardware processor that: determines a light status; determines whetherto turn a light source on; selects a light format corresponding to thelight status; projects light of a light source according to the lightformat; and determines whether to turn the light source off.

In some implementations, methods for projecting light to indicate adevice status are provided, the methods comprising: determining a lightstatus; determining whether to turn a light source on; selecting a lightformat corresponding to the light status; projecting light of a lightsource according to the light format; and determining whether to turnthe light source off.

In some implementations, non-transitory computer-readable media areprovided containing computer-executable instructions that, when executedby a hardware processor, cause the processor to perform a method forprojecting light to indicate a device status are provided, the methodcomprising: determining a light status; determining whether to turn alight source on; selecting a light format corresponding to the lightstatus; projecting light of a light source according to the lightformat; and determining whether to turn the light source off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subjectmatter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the followingdetailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered inconnection with the following drawings, in which like reference numeralsidentify like elements.

FIG. 1 is a back view of an example of a system for projecting light toindicate a device status in accordance with some implementations of thedisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a system for projectinglight to indicate a device status in accordance with someimplementations of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is an another example of a system for projecting light toindicate a device status that shows a light source and a lens inaccordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is an example of a system for controlling the direction of alight source to indicate a device status in accordance with someimplementations of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is an another example of a system for controlling the directionof a light source to indicate a device status that shows multiple lightsources and a lens in accordance with some implementations of thedisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an example of a process for projecting light to indicate adevice status in accordance with some implementations of the disclosedsubject matter.

FIG. 7 is a generalized schematic diagram of an illustrative mediacontent streaming device as provided, for example, in FIG. 1 inaccordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various implementations, as described in more detailbelow, mechanisms, which can include methods, systems, and computerreadable media, for projecting light to indicate a device status areprovided. Generally speaking, these mechanisms can be used to indicate alight status for a media content streaming device.

In some implementations, the media content streaming device can beconnected to a media content presentation device (e.g., a television)through one or more suitable communication interfaces. For example, themedia content streaming device can be connected to the media contentpresentation device through a high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI) connection (e.g., via a suitable HDMI cable), a digital visualinterface (DVI), a video graphics array (VGA), a RCA connector, a SCARTconnector, and/or any other suitable digital or analog video and/oraudio interfaces. Additionally and/or alternatively, the media contentstreaming device can be connected to the media content presentationdevice through a universal serial bus (USB) interface (e.g., via asuitable USB cable).

In some implementations, the mechanisms can determine a light status ofthe media content streaming device. For example, the mechanism candetermine a not-ready status, a network connection or other connectionstatus, an error status, an idle status, and/or any other suitablestatus. Additionally, the mechanisms can determine whether to turn alight source on. For example, the light source can be a light-emittingdiode (LED), a bulb, a wide dispersion bulb, a digital light projector,a laser, and/or any other suitable light source. In someimplementations, the light source can have any suitable minimum outputpower level. For example, the light source can have a minimum output of80 millicandelas.

In some implementations, the mechanisms can determine a light formatcorresponding to the light status. For example, the light format can bea light color, light pattern, a blinking light, an icon, text, and/orany other suitable light format. Additionally, the mechanisms candetermine whether to control the direction of the light source.

In some implementations, the mechanisms can project the light sourceaccording to the light format to indicate the device status. Forexample, the media content streaming device can project the light sourceagainst a wall visible to a user. Additionally, after projecting thelight source, the mechanisms can determine whether to turn the lightsource off.

The mechanisms can be used in a variety of applications. For example,these mechanisms can be used for projecting a light to indicate a devicestatus, such as when a device is in a not-ready status. For example, thenot-ready status can be a booting period, a shutting down period, anupdating period, a downloading period, an uploading period, and/or anyother suitable not-ready status. In some implementations, thesemechanisms can be used for projecting light to indicate when the devicehas an active connection. For example, the active connection can be anactive Internet connection, an active local area network (LAN)connection, and/or any other suitable high error rate or low bit rateconnection. In some implementations, these mechanisms can be used forprojecting light to indicate when the device has an error status. Forexample, the error status can be a lost LAN connection, a lost Internetconnection, an internal malfunction, and/or any other suitable devicestatus error. In some implementations, these mechanisms can be used toindicate device status when line of sight to the device is blocked(e.g., the device is behind a television) to a user.

These and other features for projecting light to indicate a devicestatus are described further in connection with FIGS. 1-7.

Turning to FIG. 1, a back view of example 100 of a system for projectinglight to indicate a device status in accordance with someimplementations of the disclosed subject matter is shown. Asillustrated, system 100 can include a media content streaming device110, a media content presentation device 120, a router/modem 130, acommunications network 140, and one or more servers 150.

In some implementations, media content streaming device 110 can be anysuitable device that is capable of receiving, processing, converting,and/or rendering media content, such as a set-top box, a media receiver,a dongle, a game console, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, atablet computer, a mobile phone, a gaming console, and/or any othersuitable media content streaming device.

In some implementations, media content can include television programs,movies, cartoons, sports, music, sound effects, music videos, audiobooks, streaming live content, pay-per-view programs, on-demandprograms, Internet content (e.g., streaming content, downloadablecontent, Webcasts, podcasts, Web pages, etc.), games, photos, videoconferences, and/or any other suitable media content.

In some implementations, media content streaming device 110 can containlight source 112. For example, light source 112 can be a light-emittingdiode (LED), a bulb, a wide dispersion bulb, a digital light projector,a laser, and/or any other suitable light source. Light source 112 can beinternal or external to media content streaming device 110. In someimplementations, light source 112 can project a light format (e.g.,light color, light pattern, etc.) corresponding to a status (e.g.,not-ready status, connection status, error status, etc.) of mediacontent streaming device 110 (e.g., as described further in connectionwith FIG. 6 below, for example).

In some implementations, light source 112 can project light 118 in anysuitable manner. For example, light source 112 can project light 118 inan equally distributive manner. In a more particular example, as shownin FIG. 1, light source 112 can project light 118 equally in a circularmanner. In some implementation, light 118 can be a visible light havingany suitable color(s), a laser light, and/or any other suitable light.Light source 112 can project light 118 against a wall visible to a user.

Additionally and/or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a side view of anexample 200 of a system for projecting light to indicate a device statusin accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matteris shown. In some implementations, light source 112 can project light210 in a focused manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, light source112 can project light 210 against a wall, a ceiling, and/or in any othersuitable location. This wall can be any suitable distance from the lightsource. For example, the wall can be in a close proximity of the lightsource and/or a media content presentation device associated with thelight source. Light 210 can be any suitable shape, color, pattern, text,number, symbol, etc. of light that is visible to a user. For example,light 210 can be a circle, a square, a dot, a rectangle, and/or anyother visible shape to the user. In some implementations, light source112 can project an image on the wall. For example, light source 112 canproject a progress bar on the wall. In some implementations, lightsource 112 can project a text on the wall. For example, light source 112can project the light status on the wall as one or more pieces of text.In a more particular example, light source 112 can project the text“loading” on the wall. In another particular example, light source 112can project the text “active” on the wall. In yet another particularexample, light source 112 can project the text “error” on the wall.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3, light source 112 (e.g., anLED, a bulb, etc.) can project light 210 using lens 320. In someimplementations, lens 320 can be any suitable lens. For example, lens320 can be a directional lens, a focusing lens, a plastic lens, amirrored lens, and/or any other suitable lens. As shown in FIG. 3, lightsource 112 can project light 210 towards lens 320 and light 210 can passthrough lens 320. In some implementations, lens 320 can narrow light 210into a focused light against the wall, as shown in FIG. 2.

In some implementations, media content presentation device 120 caninclude and/or be coupled to one or more suitable sensors that candetect the presence of a user and/or a mobile device in a proximity ofmedia content presentation device 120. For example, the sensor(s) caninclude a motion sensor that can detect a user in a proximity of mediacontent presentation device 120. As another example, the sensor(s) caninclude a wireless sensor that can detect the presence of a mobiledevice (e.g., a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, awearable computer, etc.) that is connected to a given network (e.g., aWi-Fi network) and/or a mobile device that is in a proximity of mediacontent presentation device 120 (e.g., using a BLUETOOTH LE sensor). Asyet another example, the sensor(s) can include an audio sensor (e.g., amicrophone, a sound level meter, etc.) that can measure the ambientnoise level in a proximity of media content presentation device 120. Insome implementations, media content presentation device 120 can adjustthe intensity of light 210 based on the presence of a user and/or amobile device in a predetermined proximity of media content presentationdevice 120 (e.g., a room). For example, light 210 can be turned on inresponse to detecting the presence of one or more users and/or mobiledevices (e.g., a predetermined number of users and/or mobile devices,predetermined users and/or mobile devices, etc.) in the predeterminedproximity of media content presentation device 120. As another example,light 210 can be turned off in response to detecting that one or moreusers and/or mobile devices (e.g., a predetermined number of usersand/or mobile devices, predetermined users and/or mobile devices, etc.)have left the predetermined proximity of media content presentationdevice 120.

In some implementations, media content presentation device 120 caninclude any suitable light sensor. For example, the light sensor candetect an intensity of ambient light surrounding media contentpresentation device 120. In some implementations, light source 112 canadjust the intensity of light 210 based on the intensity of the ambientlight. For example, light source 112 can project a low power light ifthe ambient light is low (e.g., in a dark room). Alternatively, lightsource 112 can project a high power light if the ambient light is high(e.g., in a bright room). In some implementations, media contentpresentation device 120 can disable light 210 in response to determiningthat a user in a proximity to media content presentation device 120 isasleep. In some implementations, this determination can be made using aninternal clock of media content presentation device 120. In someimplementations, media content presentation device 120 can be connectedto another device (e.g., a fitness band, a mobile phone, a tabletcomputer, a wearable computer, and/or any other suitable device) todetermine whether one or more users in a proximity of media contentpresentation device 120 are asleep.

Turning back to FIG. 1, media content presentation device 120 can be anysuitable device that is capable of receiving, converting, processing,and/or displaying media content, such as a television, streaming mediaplayer, a media center computer, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, aliquid-crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, aplasma display, a touch-screen display, a simulated touch screen, atablet user device, a mobile phone, a gaming console, etc. In someimplementations, media content presentation device 120 can bethree-dimensional capable.

In some implementations, media content presentation device 120 (e.g., atelevision) can include high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port114 and universal serial bus (USB) port 116.

In some implementations, media content streaming device 110 can beconnected to media content presentation device 120 through a USBinterface. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, media content screamingdevice 110 can be connected to USB port 116 through a suitable USBcable. In some implementations, media content streaming device 110 candraw power from media content presentation device 120 through the USBconnection.

In some implementations, media content streaming device 110 can beconnected to media content presentation device 120 through an HDMIconnection. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, media content streamingdevice 110 can be connected to HDMI port 114 through a suitable HDMIcable. In some implementations, the media content streaming device canprovide the media content presentation device with suitable mediacontent (e.g., video content, audio content, etc.) through the HDMIconnection. In some implementations, media content streaming device 110can also draw power from media content presentation device 120 throughthe HDMI connection. In a more particular example, media contentpresentation device 120 can provide power to media content streamingdevice 110 through a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL).

In some implementations, communications network 140 may be any suitablecomputer network including the Internet, an intranet, a wide-areanetwork (“WAN”), a local-area network (“LAN”), a wireless network, adigital subscriber line (“DSL”) network, a frame relay network, anasynchronous transfer mode (“ATM”) network, a virtual private network(“VPN”), a 3G network, a 4G network, or any other suitable communicationnetwork, or any combination of any of such networks.

Media content streaming device 110, router/modem 130, and server(s) 150can be connected to communications network 140 through communicationslinks 122, 124, 132, and 142, respectively. Communication links 122,124, 132, and 142 can be any suitable communication links, such asnetwork links, dial-up links, wireless links, hard-wired links, anyother suitable communication links, or a combination of such links. Insome implementations, media content streaming device 110 can beconnected to router/modem 130 via communication 122. Router/modem 130can be connected to server(s) 150 through communication network 140 viacommunication links 132 and 142, respectively. In some implementations,media content streaming device 110 can be connected to server(s) 150through communication network 140 via communication links 124 and 142,respectively.

Media content streaming device 110, router/modem 130, and server(s) 150may be located at any suitable location(s). For example, media contentstreaming device 110 and router/modem 130 may be located at a user'shome and/or any other suitable location.

Server(s) 150 can be any suitable server for providing media content,and/or for performing any other suitable functions. Server(s) 150 can beimplemented using any suitable components. For example, each of theserver(s) 150 can be implemented as a media server, a computer, a dataprocessing device, etc., or a combination of such devices.

Each of media content streaming device 110, media content presentationdevice 120, and server 150 can include and/or be any of a generalpurpose device such as a computer or a special purpose device such as aclient, a server, etc. Any of these general or special purpose devicescan include any suitable components such as a hardware processor (whichcan be a microprocessor, digital signal processor, a controller, etc.),memory, communication interfaces, display controllers, input devices,etc. Moreover, each of media content streaming device 110, media contentpresentation device 120, and server 150 can include a hard drive, adigital video recorder, a solid state storage device, a removablestorage device, and/or any other suitable storage device. Each of mediacontent streaming device 110, media content presentation device 120, andserver 150 can be implemented as a stand-alone device or integrated withother components of system 100.

Turning to FIG. 4, an example 400 of a system for controlling thedirection of a light source to indicate a device status in accordancewith some implementations of the disclosed subject matter is shown. Asillustrated, system 400 can include light 410, light 420, and light 430.

In some implementations, media content streaming device 110 can projectlight in a plurality of directions. For example, as shown in FIG. 4,light source 112 (e.g., an LED, a bulb, etc.) can project light in threedifferent directions. In a more particular example, light source 112 canproject light 410, 420, and 430 towards the right side of media contentpresentation device 120 (e.g., a television).

In some implementations, each light 410, 420, and 430, can correspond toa particular light status and a particular light format. For example,light 410 can correspond to a connection status, such as a LANconnection, an Internet connection, a Bluetooth connection and/or anyother suitable connection status. Additionally, the connection statuscan correspond to a green light. Light 420 can correspond to a not-readystatus, such as a booting period, a shutting down period, an updatingperiod, a downloading period, an uploading period, and/or any othersuitable not-ready status. Additionally, the not-ready status cancorrespond to a yellow light. Light 430 can correspond to an errorstatus, such as a lost LAN connection, a lost Internet connection, aninternal malfunction, an overheating status, and/or any other suitableerror status. Additionally, the error status can correspond to a redlight.

In some implementations, light source 112 can project light at anysuitable angle using any suitable technique. In some implementations, auser can manually adjust the direction of the light. For example,turning back to FIG. 3, lens 320 can be manually adjustable to controlthe direction of the projected light. In a more particular example, theuser can manually adjust the direction of the projected light by turningthe lens in any suitable direction. In some implementations, lens 320can have elevated ridges to allow the user to grip lens 320. Forexample, lens 320 can be a knob to control the direction of the light.In another example, media content streaming device 110 can include aknob that controls the direction of the lens via a mechanical interface.

In some implementations, the media content streaming device can presenta menu interface to receive configuration settings from a user. Forexample, the media content streaming device can present a prompt toreceive control settings from the user. In a more particular example,the user can control the menu interface using a user input interfacethat controls settings that control an electromechanical interface(e.g., a servo) that controls the direction of the light. The user inputinterface can be a remote control, a keyboard, a touchpad, a mobilephone, a gaming controller, and/or any other suitable user inputinterface.

In some implementations, the menu interface can include prompts tochange the light source settings. For example, the media contentstreaming device can present a prompt to receive a directional inputfrom the user to adjust the direction of the light. In a more particularexample, the menu interface can have directional options, such as “lowerright,” “middle right,” “upper right,” “lower left,” “middle left,”“upper left,” and/or any other suitable directionally option.

Additionally, the menu can include light format settings. For example,the light format settings can include timing information related toprojecting a light. In a more particular example, the media contentstreaming device can prompt a user to set one or more times, timeintervals, and/or any other suitable timing information that can definea period of time during which the function of projecting a light can bedisabled (e.g., when a user is sleeping). As another example, the mediacontent streaming device can prompt a user to set one or more events andcan project, adjust, and/or turn off a light based on the occurrences ofthe events. In a more particular example, the events can includedetecting the presence of a predetermined number of users and/or mobiledevices in a predetermined proximity of the media content streamingdevice (e.g., zero, one, two, and/or any other suitable number). Inanother more particular example, the events can include detecting thepresence of one or more predetermined users and/or mobile devices. Inyet another more particular example, the events can include detectingthat one or more users and/or mobile devices have left a predeterminedproximity of the media content streaming device. As yet another example,the media content streaming device can present a prompt to receive alight selection from a user. For example, the light selection can be aparticular light format (e.g., color, pattern, etc.) corresponding to alight status (e.g., not-ready status, connection status, etc.). In amore particular example, the light selection can be a green light tocorrespond with an active connection status. In yet another particularexample, the light selection can be a red light to correspond with anerror status. In some implementations, the light selection can be animage. For example, the image can be a progress bar to be projectedagainst a wall. In another example, the image can be a shape to beprojected against the wall. In a more particular example, the shape canbe a circle, a rectangle, a square, a triangle and/or any other suitableshape. In some implementations, the light selection can be a text. Forexample, the text can be the light status to be projected against thewall. In a more particular example, the text can be “loading,” “active,”“error,” and/or any other suitable text. In some implementation, themenu interface can include default options. For example, each lightstatus can correspond to a default light format.

Turning to FIG. 5, an another example 500 of a system for controllingthe direction of a light source to indicate a device status inaccordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter isshown. As illustrated, system 500 can include media content streamingdevice 110, a light source 502, a lens 520, a light 512, and a light514.

In some implementations, light source 502 can control the light in anysuitable manner. For example, light source 502 can be any suitabledirectionally controllable light source. For example, light source 502can be a digital light projector, an LCD display, a plasma display, anLED display, and/or any other suitable light source.

In some implementations, light source 502 can project light from aparticular portion of light source 502. For example, as shown in FIG. 5,if the media content streaming device receives a directional input froma user to project light to the right, then light source 502 can projectlight 512 towards lens 510 by only projecting light on the left side oflight source 502. Alternatively, if the media content streaming devicereceives a directional input from the user to project light to the leftside, then light source 502 can project light 514 towards lens 510 byonly projecting light on the right side of light source 502.

Turning to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating an example 600 of a processthat can be used for projecting light to indicate a device status inaccordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter isshown. Process 600 can be performed in any suitable media contentstreaming device.

In some implementations, process 600 can start by determining a lightstatus in any suitable manner at 620. In some implementations, the lightstatus can reflect any suitable status. For example, the light statuscan indicate a not-ready status. In a more particular example, thenot-ready status can reflect a booting period, a shutting down period,an updating period, a downloading period, an uploading period, and/orany other suitable not-ready status. In some implementations, the lightstatus can indicate a connection status. For example, the connectionstatus can reflect an established LAN connection, an establishedInternet connection, an established Bluetooth connection, and/or anyother suitable connection status. In some implementations, the lightstatus can indicate an error status. For example, the error status canreflect a lost LAN connection, a lost Internet connection, an internalmalfunction, an overheating status, and/or any other suitable errorstatus. In some implementations, the light status can indicate an idlestatus. For example, the idle status can reflect a sleeping status, alow power status, a queue status, and/or any other suitable idle status.

Turning back to FIG. 6, in response to determining the light status, themedia content streaming device can determine whether to turn a lightsource on at 630. The light source can be an LED, a bulb, a widedispersion bulb, a digital light projector, a laser, and/or any othersuitable light source. If the media content streaming device determinesto not turn the light source on, then process 600 can return todetermining a light status at 620 until process 600 determines to turnthe light source on.

In response to determining to turn the light source (e.g., an LED, abulb, etc.) on, the media content streaming device can select a lightformat corresponding to the light status (e.g., a not-ready status, aconnection status, etc.) at 640. In some implementations, the lightformat can be a light color, a light pattern, a blinking light, and/orany other suitable light format.

In some implementations, the light color can correspond to the lightstatus. For example, each light color can correspond with a differentlight status. In a more particular example, an orange light cancorrespond to a not-ready status and/or a booting period. Additionallyor alternatively, a yellow light can correspond to a not-ready statusand/or a booting period. In another particular example, a green lightcan correspond to a period of time after the booting period and/or thenot-ready status. The green light can also represent an activeconnection to the Internet, an active connection to another device,and/or any other active connection. In yet another example, a red lightcan correspond to a lost connection to the Internet, a lost connectionto another device, an error status, and/or any other lost connectionand/or error status. Additionally or alternatively, the red light cancorrespond to a powered off status.

In some implementations, the light pattern can correspond to a lightstatus. For example, each light pattern can correspond to a differentlight status. In some implementations, a pattern of a flashing red lightcan correspond to an error. For example, the error can be a lost LANconnection, a lost Internet connection, an Internet malfunction, anoverheating notification, and/or any other suitable error. In someimplementations, a pattern of a flashing orange light can correspond toa loading period and/or a booting period of the media content streamingdevice. In some implementations, a pattern of a flashing green light cancorrespond to a completion of a loading period. For example, the patternof the flashing green light can correspond to a media content streamingdevice finishing its booting period.

In some implementations, each light format (e.g., color, pattern, etc.)can correspond to a default light status. Additionally or alternatively,the media content streaming device can designate a particular lightformat corresponds to a particular light status based on previouslyentered configuration settings (e.g., as described above in connectionwith FIG. 3, for example).

After selecting a light format, the media content streaming device cancontrol the direction of the light source at 650. For example, the mediacontent streaming device can control the direction of the light sourcebased on previously entered configuration settings (e.g., as describeabove in connection with FIG. 3, for example).

In some implementations, the media content streaming device can projectlight according to the light format at 660 in any suitable manner. Forexample, the media content streaming device can project light using anLED, a bulb, a wide dispersion bulb, a digital light projector, a laserpointer, and/or any other suitable light source. In someimplementations, the light source can project light through a lens(e.g., as described above in connection with FIGS. 2-5, for example).

In some implementations, after projecting light, the media contentstreaming device can determine whether to turn off the light source at670. This determination can be made in any suitable manner. For example,it can be determined that the light source should be turned off after aparticular time period (e.g., three seconds, five seconds, etc.). Insome implementations, it can be determined that the light source shouldbe turned off after the state that the media content streaming device isin has changed. For example, it can be determined that the light sourceshould be turned off after the booting period is complete. In anotherexample, it can be determined the light source should be turned off oncethere is an active connection (e.g., an active Internet connection, anactive LAN connection, etc.). In some implementations, it can bedetermined that the light source should be turned off only in responseto input from a user (e.g., using a remote control).

In response to determining to turn off the light source, process 600 canturn off the light source at 680 and loop back to 620 to determine alight status. The light source can be turned off at 680 in any suitablemanner.

In response to determining to not turn off the light source, the mediacontent streaming device can loop back to 650 to control the directionof the light source. For example, process 600 can select to change thedirection of the light before turning the light source off.

It should be understood that the above steps of the flow diagrams ofFIG. 6 can be executed or performed in any order or sequence not limitedto the order and sequence shown and described. Also, some of the abovesteps of the flow diagram can be executed or performed substantiallysimultaneously where appropriate or in parallel to reduce latency andprocessing times.

In some implementations, any suitable computer readable media can beused for storing instructions for performing the processes describedherein. For example, in some implementations, computer readable mediacan be transitory or non-transitory. For example, non-transitorycomputer readable media can include media such as magnetic media (suchas hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical media (such as compactdiscs, digital video discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), semiconductor media(such as flash memory, electrically programmable read only memory(EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),etc.), any suitable media that is not fleeting or devoid of anysemblance of permanence during transmission, and/or any suitabletangible media. As another example, transitory computer readable mediacan include signals on networks, in wires, conductors, optical fibers,circuits, any suitable media that is fleeting and devoid of anysemblance of permanence during transmission, and/or any suitableintangible media.

An example 700 of a media content streaming device, such as mediacontent streaming device 110 of FIG. 1, is illustrated in FIG. 7. Asshown, media content streaming device 700 may include a hardwareprocessor 702, a light source 704, interface circuitry 706, an inputdevice 708, and memory 710, which may be interconnected. In someimplementations, memory 710 can contain a storage device for storing acomputer program for controlling hardware processor 702 (which can be amicroprocessor, digital signal processor, a controller, etc.).

Hardware processor 702 can use the computer program to present on anexternal display data received through interface circuitry 706. Inputdevice 708 may be remote control interface to a remote control, acomputer keyboard, a mouse, a cursor-controller, or any other suitableinput mechanism.

In some implementations, interface circuitry 706 can include one or moresuitable communication interfaces for interfacing with one or morecommunication networks and/or devices, such as Universal Serial Bus(USB) interfaces, High-Definition Multimedia Interfaces (HDMI), Wi-Fiinterfaces, Ethernet interfaces, and/or any other suitable communicationinterfaces.

Light source 704 can be a light-emitting diode (LED), a bulb, a widedispersion bulb, a digital light projector, a laser pointer, and/or anyother suitable light source. Light source 704 can be external orinternal to media content streaming device 102.

Although the mechanisms for projecting light to indicate a device statusare described herein as being implemented on a media content streamingdevice, this is only illustrative. The mechanisms may be implemented onany suitable electronic device (e.g., a streaming device, a dongle, atelevision, a smart television, a set-top box, a personal computer(“PC”), a mainframe computer, a data display, a two-way pager, awireless terminal, a portable telephone, a portable computer, a palmtopcomputer, an automobile PC, a laptop computer, a cellular phone, apersonal digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a smart phone, acombined cellular phone and PDA, and/or any other suitable electronicdevice) in some implementations.

Accordingly, methods, systems, and media for projecting light toindicate a device status are provided.

The provision of the examples described herein (as well as clausesphrased as “such as,” “e.g.,” “including,” and the like) should not beinterpreted as limiting the claimed subject matter to the specificexamples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate only some ofmany possible aspects.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustratedin the foregoing illustrative implementations, it is understood that thepresent disclosure has been made only by way of example, and thatnumerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosedsubject matter can be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the disclosed subject matter, which is limited only by the claimsthat follow. Features of the disclosed implementations can be combinedand rearranged in various ways.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for projecting light to indicate adevice status, comprising: a hardware processor that: determines a lightstatus; selects a light format corresponding to the light status; andprojects light of a light source according to the light format.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor also determineswhether to control a direction of the light source.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the light status indicates at least one of a not-readystatus, a connection status, an idle status, or an error status.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the light source is at least one of alight-emitting diode (LED), a bulb, a wide dispersion bulb, a digitallight projector, or a laser.
 5. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a lens through which light from the light source isprojected.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the lens is at least one ofa directional lens, a focusing lens, and a mirrored lens.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the light format is a light color.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the light format is a light pattern.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the hardware processor is included in a media contentstreaming device.
 10. A method for projecting light to indicate a devicestatus, comprising: determining a light status; selecting a light formatcorresponding to the light status; and projecting light of a lightsource according to the light format.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the method further comprises determining whether to control adirection of the light source.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein thelight status indicates at least one of a not-ready status, a connectionstatus, an idle status, or an error status.
 13. The method of claim 10,further comprising projecting the light from at least one of alight-emitting diode (LED), a bulb, a wide dispersion bulb, a digitallight projector, or a laser.
 14. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising projecting the light from the light source using a lens,wherein the lens is at least one of a directional lens, a focusing lens,and a mirrored lens.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the lightformat is a light color.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the lightformat is a light pattern.
 17. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumcontaining computer-executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to perform a method for projecting lightto indicate a device status, the method comprising: determining a lightstatus; selecting a light format corresponding to the light status; andprojecting light of a light source according to the light format. 18.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein themethod further comprises determining whether to control a direction ofthe light source.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein the method further comprises projecting the light fromthe light source using a lens, wherein the lens is at least one of adirectional lens, a focusing lens, and a mirrored lens.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the lightformat is a light color.
 21. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumof claim 17, wherein the light format is a light pattern.